Last week, the U.S. Energy Information Administration released its Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook. The report projected warmer winter temperatures and a 34% reduction in heating bills for propane-heated homes in the Midwest this season compared with last winter.

The report also showed propane stocks in the Gulf Coast and Midwest were 10 million barrels, or 17% higher, than last year for the same period, and overall propane production is up 12% from the previous year.

"These are positive signs," said Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, "but our industry is working hard to ensure our customers are prepared. Propane retailers across the country remain focused on safety and encouraging customers to consider early fills, automatic refills, and payment programs now before cold weather hits."

PERC launched a $5.5 million consumer safety and preparedness campaign in early September directing residential heating customers and agribusiness operators to visit a new propane website.

On the site, propane customers can take a quiz to determine if they are prepared for winter and review energy efficiency tips.